Power to Empower (P2E), is a joint initiative co-organized by India @75 (a CII initiative) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Organizers developed India’s only national-level Skill Enterprise Plan Competition to encourage entrepreneurs with innovative and scalable business solutions to contribute to the development of a sustainable vocational skills ecosystem in India. It is expected that this competition will help narrow the gap between supply and demand of growth-enabling skilled workers, while catalysing improved livelihoods for many Indians. In addition, it aims at raising awareness about skilling an entrepreneurial opportunity, P2E Challenge aims to encourage academia, youths, students, aspiring entrepreneurs to step up to be the next generation of entrepreneurs and contribute to the Skill India Mission.
The challenge invites individuals, academia, social enterprises, for-profit and not-for-profit companies and Non-governmental organizations from across India, who either have an idea, an early stage pilot with a proof of concept or an operational venture. The proposed venture needs to have a financially sustainable business model that boost the skilling space spread out across over 22 NSDC identified sectors. Challenge is open without restriction to for-profit, not for profit or even mixed/hybrid models.
Presently the challenge is open in three categories of Idea, Seed and Operations. Participants are required to submit applications into different categories as per their convenience and experiences. After expert assessments, shortlisted entrepreneurs/organizations will be offered mentorship support, awarded cash and in-kind support, and the exclusive opportunity to pitch for funding to major skill development funds.
- Build the eco-system to encourage and support entrepreneurs who intends to want to build their careers in skill development in India and globally.
- Create sustainable and measurable impact on India’s workforce through the enterprises identified and supported.
- Contribute to the skill-gap and the massive demand and supply shortage that exist between the work force and industry in India and abroad.
- Raise awareness on the importance of skill development and a highly skilled workforce in India.
India@75 is a path breaking initiative. It envisions how India should be in her 75th year of independence and seeks to bring together all stakeholders including the industry, government, institutions, community groups and individuals to translate the vision into a reality.
Prof C. K. Prahalad has been the inspiration behind India@75. While commemorating the 60th year of India's independence, on 23 September 2007 during the Incredible India@60 commemoration at New York he articulated the idea of holistic three dimensional development of India to acquire enough economic strength, technological vitality and moral leadership by 75 years of independence. CII adopted his vision on 8 May 2008.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
The National Skill Development Corporation India, (NSDC) is a one of its kind, Public Private Partnership in India. It aims to promote skill development by catalyzing creation of large, quality, for-profit vocational institutions.
NSDC provides funding to build scalable, for-profit vocational training initiatives. Its mandate is also to enable support systems such as quality assurance, information systems and train the trainer academies either directly or through partnerships. NSDC acts as a catalyst in skill development by providing funding to enterprises, companies and organisations that provide skill training. It will also develop appropriate models to enhance, support and coordinate private sector initiatives. The differentiated focus for the 22 sectors under NSDC’s purview and its understanding of their viability will make every sector attractive to private investment.